Japanese Foreign Policy, Essay Example

Relations between the United States and Japan have been influential in shaping these two nations. In 1989, Japan was in a unique position, as it demonstrated a considerable trade surplus with the U.S. that created challenges in how the two countries worked together (Calder). The guidance that was given regarding these circumstances was to reduce this surplus through various activities over time (Calder 526). However, little progress was made during this period, because there were deeply rooted issues with the manner in which Japan held its bureaucratic interests close to the vest (Calder 526). Therefore, the country would not ease up on its ability to retain an export surplus. In addition, “Supplying close to $100 billion annually in capital exports to cover the U.S. fiscal deficit, Japan has developed considerable leverage over the United States in their bilateral trans-Pacific relationship (Calder 527). As a result, the relationship between these two countries was positive, despite their differences in how they managed fiscal policy.

Despite increasing pressures from the U.S., Japan continues to struggle to overcome specific political and social concerns that have essentially wreaked havoc on the nation’s ability to engage in successful long-term foreign policy strategies (Calder 528). These findings suggest that the creation of an effective foreign policy strategy to counteract concerns regarding foreign exports was futile, due in large part to Japan’s existing bureaucratic infrastructure (Calder 528). Since the Japanese government does not possess a structure that is conducive to a strong leader at the helm, it is very difficult for the nation to make any real progress in the areas that require it (Calder 529). Therefore, the country faces considerable problems in its efforts to reform its export surplus in important ways (Calder 529).

In order for Japan to continue its wave of growth and opportunity, it is necessary for other nations to work cooperatively with Japan to take the steps that are necessary to approach these challenges with greater ease. According to the text, “A strong physical presence in Japan will be crucial for foreign firms as they become more seriously involved in the Japanese market (Calder 532). Therefore, it is evident that from a U.S. perspective, relations with Japan must be increasingly productive so that both nations might benefit from these collaborations (Calder 532). Nonetheless, Japan must learn how to increase its flexibility in creating a more two-sided approach to trade. This will ultimately benefit the country and its people through increased foreign investment and improved foreign policy initiatives. Finally, it is known that “Japan will be facing strong economic and political pressures to alter its export-oriented behavior and to assume a major role in reordering the international monetary and trade systems” (Calder 536). Therefore, the country must learn how to learn from its mistakes of the past and to build upon its future by engaging in trade initiatives that alter current strategies in important ways (Calder 536). These efforts will be effective in demonstrating that the country is in a competitive position to sustain growth and ongoing development through trade reform and foreign policy growth (Calder 536). This is a complex phenomenon to consider, but it is representative of a challenging government rule that must capitalize on its key strengths to embrace change and opportunity in other areas that will expand the nation’s GDP and other resources.

Works Cited

Calder, Kent E. “Japanese foreign economic policy formation: explaining the reactive state.” pp. 518-541.